Dr. Nik Taylor is a sought-after speaker and media commentator, valued for his ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and public fascination with magic, performance, and the gothic. This page collects his key public engagements, from invited lectures to expert media contributions.
Invited Talks & Keynotes
- A Live On-Stage Interview with Reece Shearsmith (May 2023)
- Dr. Taylor conducted a feature-length, live interview with the celebrated actor and writer Reece Shearsmith, co-creator of the critically acclaimed series The League of Gentlemen and Inside No. 9. Held before a live audience, the discussion explored the deep connections between Shearsmith’s work and key themes in Dr. Taylor’s research, including the modern gothic, the uncanny, dark comedy, and the art of misdirection.
- The Transformed Magician: How Magicians Made Magic Horrible Again
- An upcoming oral presentation that will showcase Dr. Taylor’s latest research into the aesthetics of horror and their intersection with contemporary performance magic.
- Making Dark Magicks (May 2022)
- An invited talk focusing on the creative processes and theoretical underpinnings of contemporary “dark” magic performances, exploring how performers blend historical narratives with modern aesthetics.
Press & Media Contributions
Dr. Taylor is regularly featured in the press as an expert commentator on subjects ranging from performance magic to the cultural significance of popular media.
- Expert Commentator, Harry Potter Events
- Dr. Taylor has provided expert commentary for media outlets on the cultural phenomena surrounding the Harry Potter franchise, including fan events and exhibitions.
- Interview, The Extraordinary Project Podcast (January 2020)
- An in-depth interview for the popular podcast, discussing his research and practice in the field of performance magic.
- Media Coverage, Séance: A View Through the Veil
- Dr. Taylor’s short film received media coverage, highlighting its public engagement and contribution to the discourse on magic and mediumship.
- Expert Commentator, Séances and Spookshows (November 2015)
- Provided expert analysis and historical context for media features on the topics of séances and historical spookshows.
Conference Presentations & Symposia
- Participant, Videographic Entanglements Symposium (September 2023)
- Participated in an academic symposium focused on the use of video in research and practice, contributing his expertise from projects like Séance: A View Through the Veil.
- Workshop Leader, “What Sounds Do Ghosts Make?” (October 2023)
- Lead an academic event exploring the auditory dimensions of the supernatural and paranormal in performance and culture.